I'm a writer, so for me, watching TV is a form of research.
I write fiction, so when I view Midsomer Murders, Miss Marple, or Murder She Wrote, it stokes the fires of my cozy imagination. Doctor Who, Star Trek, Angels and Demons, and Gormenghast serve as flights of fancy to inspire my sci- fantasy series. Though I don't write police procedurals or thrillers, a well-composed series like True Detective, Bosch, or Unforgotten is useful. Even the old standbys like NCIS have something to offer.
For an added bonus, turn on closed captioning as an insight into how to write realistic conversation and dialog.
But...
There is a bit if translation necessary to make these inspirations my own. Though Perry Mason may be the go-to lawyer show, a lot has changed since 1970. Unless I'm writing a retro thriller, I'll need to get more information from other sources. And though Agatha Christie may be the queen of mystery, her solutions might not work in today's society.
Yes, television is a righteous research tool, but I must not get so wrapped up in their story as to lose sight of mine.
Here's a little exercise:
Pause whatever you're watching, and write a paragraph about the scene. Use colors, patterns, sound and sense as well as conversation. Read it back to yourself. Could a reader envision the scenario? Have you made it your own?
Besides the shows I mentioned, here are some others that have inspired me:
Torchwood
Stargate
The Orville
The Hobbit (not lotr)
Blade Runner
Laura
Gotham
Father Brown
Murdoch Mysteries
Brokenwood Mysteries
The Bridge/Bron
Inspector Morse/Inspector Lewis/Endeavor
Shetland
Conan the Barbarian (original Arnie version)
Mystery Road
Glitch season 1
The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes/Sherlock
Anything with David Tennant except the ones about serial killers
One last comment: I am writing this on my phone. I do not recommend it.
